The European Commission has unveiled the Quantum Strategy with the aim of positioning Europe as a global leader in quantum technology by 2030. This initiative is set to cultivate a resilient and sovereign quantum ecosystem that will support startup growth and transition scientific breakthroughs into market-ready applications while preserving Europe’s scientific dominance.
Quantum technologies are anticipated to revolutionize the handling of complex challenges, ranging from pharmaceutical advancements to securing critical infrastructure. They are also expected to enhance industrial competitiveness and technological sovereignty within the EU, with significant dual-use potential for defense and security. By 2040, this sector is projected to create thousands of highly skilled jobs across the EU and surpass a global value of €155 billion.
The Strategy focuses on five key areas: research and innovation, quantum infrastructures, ecosystem strengthening, space and dual-use technologies, and quantum skills.
Specific actions outlined in the Strategy include:
– The launch of the Quantum Europe Research and Innovation Initiative, a collaborative effort between the EU and Member States to support foundational research and develop applications in key public and industrial sectors.
– Establishment of a quantum design facility along with six quantum chips pilot lines supported by up to €50 million in public funding aimed at transforming scientific prototypes into manufacturable products.
– Initiation of a pilot facility for the European Quantum Internet.
– Expansion of the network of Quantum Competence Clusters across the EU and establishment of the European Quantum Skills Academy in 2026.
– Development of a Quantum Technology Roadmap in Space alongside the European Space Agency and contribution to the European Armament Technological Roadmap.
The Strategy aims to increase European quantum companies’ share of global private funding from its current level of around 5% to stimulate growth among startups and scaleups while encouraging adoption of European quantum solutions by industries across Europe.
The next steps involve close collaboration between the Commission, Member States, academia, startups, industrial actors, innovation stakeholders, and their representatives to realize the objectives set forth in this strategy. A High-Level Advisory Board consisting of leading European quantum scientists and technology experts—including Nobel Prize Laureates—will offer independent strategic guidance on implementing the Quantum Europe Strategy.
A follow-up proposal called the Quantum Act is expected in 2026. It will further strengthen efforts towards building an advanced quantum ecosystem through incentivizing investment in production facilities under large-scale EU-wide national or regional initiatives.
For more information regarding this initiative:
– Quantum Europe Strategy
– Questions & Answers
– Factsheet
– Joint Research Centre’s policy brief
Contact details for further inquiries:
Thomas REGNIER – Spokesperson
Phone: +32 2 29 91099
Email: [email protected]
Nika BLAZEVIC – Press Officer
Phone: +32 2 29 92717
Email: [email protected]
